DAN Evans has been an unsung hero of Newport Gwent Dragons' promising start to the season but the full-back claims he is only just hitting his straps, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 24-year-old was in danger of missing the start of the campaign after undergoing a summer clean-out operation on his left ankle.

But Evans won his fitness race and has put that same foot to great use to dominate the number 15 jersey for the Rodney Parade region.

He had played every minute until being called from the fray in the closing stages of last Friday's 30-7 win against Zebre.

Evans' kicking out of hand has been excellent, he scored a try against his old region the Scarlets and he has been strong in defence, as shown when preventing the Italians from taking the lead with an expert cover tackle in the corner last weekend.

It has been a strong start but the full-back, who also featured as a makeshift fly-half last season, says there is more to come.

"I had a tidy up operation over the summer and I was only just fit for the start of the season," said twice-capped Evans, who headed east to Rodney Parade in the summer of 2012.

"I've got my match fitness back now and the game against Zebre was the best that I have felt. Now hopefully I can keep that sharpness and it's onwards and upwards."

Evans' fine start to the campaign has been mirrored by the region, who sit sixth after winning all three home games.

"It's been a good start to the season," said Evans. "A winning team is a happy team and the environment is good.

"It shows how far we have come that we were disappointed to win without a bonus point against Zebre but the victory was massive, especially after what they did to Cardiff Blues.

"We've had a couple of disappointments away from home (losing 16-13 to Edinburgh with the last kick and 23-9 to Munster) but the important thing is to keep winning at Rodney Parade.

"We are improving every week and we are not a million miles away from an away win, hopefully one will come when we get back to the Pro12.

"But for now are looking to start the Amlin Challenge Cup with a bang against Mogliano (on Friday) ahead of a big game against Bath."